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NJ High School Swimmers Shine After Holiday Break

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 19:28 GMT by NJ.com

Thursday, January 8th, 2026 - The New Jersey high school swimming scene is heating up as athletes return from the holiday break with impressive performances at recent invitationals. The week of December 31st to January 6th saw several swimmers achieve personal bests and dominate their respective events, signaling a competitive season ahead. This report highlights some of the standout performers from the John Balogh Invite and the Raider Invite, showcasing the depth of talent within the state.

Dominance at the John Balogh Invite

The John Balogh Invite proved to be a hotbed for fast times and fierce competition. Pope John's Hunter Stetz kicked off the week with a personal best in the 200-meter freestyle, touching the wall at an impressive 2:02.87 to secure the top spot. This performance immediately establishes Stetz as a swimmer to watch in the distance events this season. His dedication to improving his time over the break clearly paid off.

Representing Ridge High School, Jason Yu had a particularly successful meet, demonstrating versatility by winning both the 100-meter butterfly (52.17) and the 200-meter individual medley (1:57.77). Yu's ability to excel in both a sprint butterfly and a technically demanding IM speaks to his well-rounded skill set and rigorous training regimen. Experts predict Yu will be a strong contender for state championships in both events.

On the girls' side, Josephine Gualtieri of Montclair made a splash at the Balogh Invite. She secured victories in both the 50-meter freestyle (24.69) and the 100-meter freestyle (53.11), demonstrating her speed and power in both sprint distances. Gualtieri's times are indicative of a consistently improving athlete with the potential to challenge state records.

Raider Invite Delivers Competitive Results

The Raider Invite also showcased several notable performances. Ava Stasiak from Kingsway High School proved her endurance and strength by winning both the 200-meter freestyle (1:54.73) and the 500-meter freestyle (5:05.18). Stasiak's double win underscores her potential as a distance specialist and suggests she's well-prepared for the longer races later in the season. Coaches have noted her consistent pacing and strong finishing kick.

Hannah Roberts of Clearview High School also enjoyed a successful meet, claiming victories in the 100-meter butterfly (59.21) and the 100-meter backstroke (1:01.13). Her wins in these two technically challenging events highlight her proficiency in stroke mechanics and underwater skills. Roberts' consistent improvement suggests she's a dedicated and focused athlete.

Christian Esposito of Hillsborough High School added to the impressive list of personal bests, posting a time of 1:00.56 to win the 100-meter breaststroke at the Raider Invite. This new personal best is a testament to Esposito's hard work and dedication to the breaststroke, a notoriously difficult stroke to master.

Looking Ahead

These early-season results provide a glimpse into the competitive landscape of New Jersey high school swimming. The athletes highlighted here have already demonstrated their potential for success, and their continued improvement will undoubtedly contribute to an exciting championship season. The combination of seasoned veterans and emerging talents promises a thrilling competition as the season progresses. Local swim clubs and high school coaches are expecting increased participation and a high level of competition in the upcoming county and state championships. The focus will now shift towards refining technique, building endurance, and peaking at the right time for the championship meets. Fans can expect to see these athletes and many others continue to push the boundaries of their performance throughout the remainder of the season.